Summer has well and truly arrived in the UK and it feels like the sun hasn’t stopped shining (please don’t go!) However, gone are the days of the six week long school holidays that children around the country have just started; many of us will still be working throughout the summer in our 9-5 jobs, so it can often feel like the hot temperatures are wasted on us.

Fear not, here at Cotels we have a number of ways you can get out and about and visit some of the best places in Europe this summer – and you can even fit these trips in around your work and day to day lifestyle.

Whether it’s a last minute road trip to the crisp sights of Edinburgh or jumping on a short flight to the likes of the Balearic Islands, we’ve got you covered with tourist attractions and short breaks you can go on and still be back in the office come Monday morning.

London’s calling…

Despite the hustle and bustle image, the capital has lots to offer and is full of history, bars, quirky food joints and fun activities.

Depending on where you’re travelling from, the train is a great way to get down to the capital and is even cheaper if you get your hands on a travelcard. So, why not go and see some of the capitals’ most iconic sights, such as Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London or Buckingham Palace. Sea Life London Aquarium and Madame Tussauds are also must-visits for children, too!

London has a great range of rooftop bars if you fancy a beverage in the sun. Rumpus Room on the South Bank provides you with an Insta-worthy photograph and you’ll feel like you’re on the set of Sex and the City, too.

Say oui to Paris

If you’re close to London, then a weekend trip to the French capital could be on the cards. If you travel directly from St Pancras on the Eurostar it takes just over an hour to reach the city of love.

Paris is a global hub for art, fashion, culture, food and wine and beyond its striking landmarks, it has an array of cafes and boutiques to indulge in. If the tourist hot-spots such as the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame aren’t your style, then a cabaret at the show-stopping, iconic and all-glitz-all-glam Moulin Rouge may well be.

If you leave the office at 5 pm on a Friday, you could be in Paris by the evening and catch a late-night show, too – it’s a great way to see the sights this summer and still get your head down at work.

The White Isle

Ibiza. Known for its clubs, white beaches and superstar DJs, but also known for its calm coves, picturesque coasts and to-die-for tapas. If you fancy a long weekend away of dancing or just relaxing, this Balearic Isle only takes 2 hours 15 minutes to get to from the UK.

Flights from many UK airports start from £100 and with the Island being so small you can be on the beach within 20 minutes of landing.

Ferry on over to the Isle of Wight

Just off the south coast of England, the Isle of Wight has plenty to offer and is a great place to go if you fancy a staycation. Thousands flock to the island each year to watch their favourite bands at the famous Isle of Wight festival, however this has already been and gone this year – why not try out the Jack up the 80’s festival and see it’s pretty seaside towns and white cliffs, too – this little island has lots to keep you entertained.

Why not hop in the car on a Friday afternoon and drive down to Southampton to catch a ferry over to the sunny isle?

Edinburgh: The Hilly Capital

Another capital that is very easy on the eye is Edinburgh. This medieval old town has a range of classical buildings, gardens, castles and breathtaking views. Not one to be missed if you’re looking for a picturesque weekend away, that’s full of culture.

Travel there by train, car or even plane, but make sure you visit the famous Edinburgh Castle and get some snaps of the views because it’s a well-deserved climb to the top.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your out of office on and go see some sights!